Stevens Aero keeps producing cool stuff. I just don't have the time to build them all...

http://www.stevensaero.com/StevensAe...r-p-20489.html

That must have just went up. That is a nice looking plane, sporty SkyBuggy.

Thanks for noticing the new kit. SkyBoy ships on Monday 10/11/2010!

Here's a few more photos of the SkyBoy that we shared earlier on our Facebook Page.

FYI - The SkyBoy is the final product from the project we were formally referring to as SpeedBuggy.

Specs:
640 sq. in. wing
48 in. span
36 oz. Flying weight (11.1V pack)

Power by BL.10

-Bill

Very interesting, I look forward to a flight characteristic description.

Any video?

Yes, a video would answer all my questions!

Originally Posted by JimTMich

Very interesting, I look forward to a flight characteristic description.

Typical full house sport aerobatics. SkyBoy features a wide flight envelope and excellent forward penetration in glide. The thick low aspect ratio wing loafs along seemingly forever in ground effect, levitates the airframe vertical from take-off roll, and resists letting go in g-loade maneuvers. The absense of an aggressive stall makes it necessary to throw in gobs of pro-snap aileron to fake an inside snap. Thanks to the shaper leading edge and flat bottom airfoil it will snaps reasonably well to the outside. Balanced as suggested in the manual inverted requires just slight pressure on down elevator to maintain level flight. Short coupled airframe with generous tail volumes produces a manageable CG range though we caution you to make movements aft of our recommended point in conservative increments.

Minimal aileron size equipped with generous differential travel nets a relaxed rate of roll. The model is very responsive to rudder input and roll rate will be increased somewhat with coordination of rudder and aileron in turns. Pitch stability is positive with a slight climb normal with application of power. Roll stability is positive with a lazy roll back to wings level from most any attitude.

This is not a 3D ship nor is it an aggressive aerobat... SkyBoy is a forgiving sport aerobat that's perfectly comfortable buzzing the tall grass, shooting touch-n-go's, and lolly-gag'n through the traffic pattern. Think smooth relaxed aerobatics and a session filled with delightful touch-n-go action and you'll be on the right track to exploring the essence of SkyBoy.

Video Here: SkyBoy (600) Video High Res [80MB]
Or Here: SkyBoy (600) Video Med Res [340MB]

-Bill

Video on YouTube as well:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=.../0/FifkIi48ieg

Bill,

What battery did you use 2 or 3 cell?
The video credits state 7.4V and the web page specs 11.1V.

Rob

I flew the video sequence with a 2S 7.4V pack (~180-200W) - since i have plenty for use in the FREDe 1.5x and WaterBoard this is my pack of choice. Vertical and efficiency (flight times) are improved by running 11.1V but it's not required as demonstrated in the video (especially at sea level)... performance is more than adequate with 7.4V.

-Bill

Originally Posted by Rob_P

Bill,

What battery did you use 2 or 3 cell?
The video credits state 7.4V and the web page specs 11.1V.

Rob

Great description Bill, Thanks! I was trying to make my Daddy-O 525 build last until this came out. Mission accomplished! I just need to cover the Daddy-O and it's off to the Sky Boy!

Looks great Bill. The Skybuggy already jumped the queue, I need to finish my Daddy-0 525 before I move on to anything else Just like Jim.

BTW: Don't you think it's time for a bipe to enter the SA family? I'm thinking a FunSport StaggerBuggy or SkyBipee

Rob

I dunno... maybe. Been playing a bunch with parasols what's another wing amongst friends right?

Originally Posted by robs

Looks great Bill. The Skybuggy already jumped the queue, I need to finish my Daddy-0 525 before I move on to anything else Just like Jim.

BTW: Don't you think it's time for a bipe to enter the SA family? I'm thinking a FunSport StaggerBuggy or SkyBipee

Rob

As long as it has one, I'm happy. Either way, I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Rob

Originally Posted by Stevens AeroModel

Video on YouTube as well:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=.../0/FifkIi48ieg

Bill, I just watched this video. Very nice. I like the Skyboy.

But I gotta ask, at about 1:58 in the video, there's a yellow plane on the ground. Looks like a Decathlon or Citabria of some sort. What is it?

Andy